Community Center Shows Short Documentaries

CRANFORD—The Friends of the Cranford Public Library welcome back “doxita,” an annual collection of short documentary films from around the globe.

This year’s “doxita” is subtitled “Life Is a Progress.” The films will be shown on Monday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 7 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue. “doxita” represents a wide variety of documentary—domestic and foreign, super-short and longer format, serious and funny. It is designed to profile the great content and artistic vision that non-fiction short films provide, but that people don’t often get a chance to see. Karen Cirillo, a Cranford native, is the producer of the “doxita” series.

“Slaves” (Sweden, Hannah Heilborn and David Aronowitsch, 15 minutes) – Colorful animation brings alive the tale of two Sudanese youth who were captured for slavery. The animation and documentary interview technique mask the children’s identity, while also creating an engrossing story of survival.

“The First Kid to Learn English From Mexico” (USA, Peter Jordan, 20 minutes) – Nine-year-old Pedro Lopez wishes he never left Mexico. Lush camera and music create this almost-surreal, yet honest and charming portrait of this struggling boy.

“12 Notes Down” (Denmark, Andreas Koefed, 30 minutes) – Jorgis is the star of his boys choir, until the onset of puberty affects what he loves most: his ability to sing. This beautifully tender portrait follows the journey of a young man facing the need to leave his old identity behind.

The entire program is 75 minutes. Admission to is free and all are welcome. For more information about “doxita”, visit doxita.org.